Hospital and Caldas Museum

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Museum

District: Leiria > Caldas da Rainha > Caldas da Rainha > Encosta do Sol

Location

The Hospital and Caldas Museum is located on Encosta do Sol, in the historic heart of Caldas da Rainha. It is part of the complex of the former Queen D. Leonor Thermal Hospital. The building, slightly elevated, faces a quiet square with trees, near the Church of Nossa Senhora do Pópulo and the historic facilities of the thermal hospital.

A Building with a Royal Past

The museum is housed in the former Royal Palace, whose roots date back to the original "Caza Real" (Royal House) associated with Queen D. Leonor. This building was adapted over the centuries, serving as a residence for the hospital administrators and, at certain periods, hosting the Portuguese royal family itself during their thermal stays. Its current appearance, with classicist lines, results from a significant remodelling that took place in the 19th century. Inside, one can appreciate the architecture that seeks to evoke the ambiance of a noble residence from bygone eras, with elements such as coffered ceilings.

The History of the City and its Waters

This museum space invites visitors on a journey through the history of the Queen D. Leonor Thermal Hospital, an institution often considered a pioneer in thermal treatment worldwide. The museum explores how the discovery of the healing waters and the decisive action of Queen D. Leonor were fundamental to the foundation and development of Caldas da Rainha. The permanent exhibition houses a varied collection that includes pieces and documents illustrating daily life at the hospital, the treatment techniques used, and the evolution of the institution itself over time. Inside, one can find tile panels that once decorated the Thermal Hospital, bearing witness to part of the history of healing through water. The museum also presents temporary exhibitions.